Chemistry is what makes the coaching relationship work- it allows the coaching relationship to be productive and effective. Without chemistry, the coaching relationship may not be as effective, and the desired outcomes may not be achieved.
A coaching client
Having coached a client for almost six months, I felt encouraged by his transformation especially how his mindset has shifted and how his overall work performance has improved. He became more confident and effective in managing his team, and he was able to earn his bosses full trust. He also became a happier person and managed to gain respect from more people within his organisation. Needless to say, he has become a more valuable asset to his organisation.
“Coach Ken, I can’t thank you enough for coaching me. I really appreciate your support, guidance and patience. I’m grateful we crossed paths and I like how we clicked from the get-go! I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts during our coaching conversations and I thank you for constantly giving me a safe space to express myself.”
I was humbled by my client’s sharing after our final coaching session.
I understood what he meant by “we clicked from the get-go”. I too felt the same. It happened during our first meeting when we had the chemistry meet. I knew at once I could work with him.
I felt comfortable with my client throughout the coaching engagement and I have enjoyed all our coaching conversations. He’s a wonderful client to work with and I can’t be happier for him. It’s great to witness his transformation and how things have favourably panned out for him.
I left the final coaching session with my client thinking about chemistry in coaching. Does chemistry play a key role in order for the magic of coaching to happen? Is chemistry a key consideration when hiring an executive coach?
Chemistry between the coach and the client
Finding the right executive coach can be challenging. There are many factors to consider, but perhaps the most critical factor is the chemistry between the coach and the client.
When it comes to professional coaching, chemistry is about the fit between the coach and the client. It's about how well they connect, communicate and understand each other. A coach with the right chemistry can create a safe and supportive environment that encourages the client to explore new ideas and take risks.
Chemistry is the emotional and mental connection between two people. Chemistry is not something that can be quantified or measured, but it's easy to recognise when it's present. It's a feeling of trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. It's the feeling that you're on the same page with someone and that they have your best interests at heart.
Why is chemistry so important in professional coaching?
Reason #1: Coaching is a highly personalised service
An executive coach works with the client to identify his or her unique needs and goals. The coach then supports the development of a customised plan to help the client achieve these goals. This process requires a high level of trust and rapport between the coach and the client.
Without chemistry, it's difficult to establish this level of trust.
Imagine this, a CEO is looking for an executive coach to help him improve his leadership skills. The CEO interviews several coaches and finds one who has a great track record and impressive credentials. However, during the initial meeting, the CEO finds that he doesn't really feel comfortable with the coach. The coach's communication style is too direct and confrontational, and the CEO feels defensive and resistant. Despite the coach's impressive qualifications, the chemistry between the two is not right, and the coaching relationship is unlikely to be successful.
Reason #2: Chemistry is essential for effective communication
A coach must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with the client. A coach must be able to listen actively, ask insightful questions and provide constructive feedback.
When there is chemistry between the coach and the client, communication flows more easily.
The coach can sense when the client is struggling and adjust the approach accordingly. The coach can provide feedback that is both challenging and supportive, without triggering defensiveness or resistance in the client.
Let’s say a CFO is working with an executive coach to improve her public speaking skills. The coach is skilled at providing feedback and has helped the CFO make significant progress. However, during a coaching session, the CFO becomes frustrated and defensive. She feels that the coach is being overly critical and not supportive enough. Despite the coach's best intentions, the lack of chemistry between them has created a communication breakdown.
Reason #3: Chemistry is essential for building a strong coaching relationship
Coaching is a long-term process that requires a significant investment of time and energy. The coach and the client must be committed to working together over an extended period.
Without chemistry, the coaching relationship is unlikely to be sustainable.
Suppose an entrepreneur is working with an executive coach to grow his business. The coach has a great track record and impressive credentials, but the entrepreneur doesn't feel comfortable with him. The coach's communication style is too formal, distant and cold, and the entrepreneur feels like he is not being heard. Despite the coach's best efforts, the lack of chemistry between them makes it difficult to build a strong coaching relationship. The entrepreneur eventually decides to terminate the coaching relationship and look for a coach who is a better fit.
Conclusion
Chemistry is probably the most critical factor in coaching. As such, chemistry is certainly a key consideration when hiring an executive coach. While other factors such as experience, qualifications, and track record are essential, chemistry is what makes the coaching relationship work. It is what allows the coaching relationship to be productive and effective. Without chemistry, the coaching relationship may not be as effective, and the desired outcomes may not be achieved.
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